Kinlochshiel are Marine Harvest Premiership champions for the first time, Glengarry won Marine Harvest North Division 2 and the Inveraray second team secured the Marine Harvest South Division 2 title following the shinty action on Saturday 7 October 2017.

Marine Harvest Premiership

Oban Camanachd 0 Kinlochshiel 3

Kinlochshiel won the Marine Harvest Premiership title for the first time; getting the point they needed by beating Oban Camanachd 3-0 at Mossfield.

A Saturday morning pitch inspection confirmed the game would go ahead and two busloads of supporters left Kyle for this much anticipated encounter.

Oban Camanachd manager Iain Hay was on holiday so Chris Eccleston and Fraser Inglis looked after the side. Gary McKerracher was free of his one-match ban whilst Garry Lord was also back in the fold after completing his four-game ban following his sending off in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup semi-final defeat to Lovat eight weeks earlier. Matt Rippon started on the bench with the injured Scott MacKillop the main Oban absentee.

Kinlochshiel were at full strength with even the injured Gordie MacDonald, who made a second half appearance, taking a place on a packed bench.

The first half was a nervy affair and whilst ‘Shiel probably just about edged it, Oban Camanachd were very much in the game but the ‘Shiel defence were strong with Scott Kennedy also playing his part, saving well from Daniel Cameron.

Kinlochshiel manager Johnston Gill had strong words for his troops at the break and there is no doubt they went up a gear in the second half.

Jordan Fraser got the party started on 48 minutes when he finished off a superb flowing move which began with a Scott Kennedy goal-hit which the excellent Finlay MacRae played left to John MacRae. Jordan Fraser, who’d lost his marker, ran onto MacRae’s low cross and he stretched to control the ball before sweeping it past Gavin Stobbart from point-blank range.

‘Shiel were stretching the Oban Camanachd defence and they tightened the screw on 69 minutes when Jordan Fraser got his and Kinlochshiel’s second goal of the game. Finlay MacRae did well to retain possession in the ‘Shiel midfield and Donald Nixon played the ball up the right channel. Oliver MacRae and Jordan Fraser kept the ball moving, feeding it to John MacRae, this time out in the right corner. Keith MacRae touched John MacRae’s cross to Oliver MacRae and he found Jordan Fraser on the left. Fraser steadied himself before thundering a back-hand effort across the keeper and into the net.

Keith MacRae stayed out in front in the scoring charts when he made it 3-0 with a 76 minute effort. Again the move started with a Scott Kennedy goal-hit. Oliver MacRae flicked the ball to Finlay MacRae, who charged down the left wing, exchanging passes with Jordan Fraser. MacRae sent the ball across the D to Keith MacRae who was lurking at the back post. MacRae got just enough power in the shot to send it bobbling across Gavin Stobbart, beating the keeper at his right post.

So Kinlochshiel become only the second team out-with Kingussie and Newtonmore to win shinty’s top flight, matching Fort William’s 2006 success.

‘Shiel veteran keeper Scott Kennedy was presented with the Marine Harvest Premiership trophy by John Angus Gillies from sponsors Marine Harvest with Camanachd Association President Jim Barr also in attendance.

The Kirkton side were Artemis Macaulay Cup winners last season but this triumph eclipses that achievement. The side suffered a mid-season blip which saw them exit the cup competitions but they have shown great consistency in the league with their only Marine Harvest Premiership reverse this season coming at Glenurquhart.

Kyles Athletic and Newtonmore also contributed to what has been a title race which has gone right down to the final game of the season.

Kinlochshiel came out on top and for them; the celebrations got under-way immediately after the final whistle.

Oban Camanachd now head for The Eilan this Saturday to play Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup winners Newtonmore.

Kilmallie 1 Lovat 2

Kilmallie’s 2-1 defeat to Lovat in their 3pm throw up at The Canal Parks means they drop into the Marine Harvest National Division next season.

Kilmallie’s Innes Blackhall served the second match of a two-game suspension for passing through the disciplinary points threshold whilst Craig MacIsaac started a four game ban which will carry through past the start of next season.

Lovat’s Callum Cruden was also banned following his red card in last weekend’s Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final. In fact Drew Howie was the only defender from the final to start with Martin Mainland and Daniel Grieve missing although the latter was an unused substitute. Thomas Fraser and Danny Kelly started in the wing back positions whilst Craig Mainland dropped back to buckshee back. Ryan Ferguson went to centre and there was a first senior start for former Inverness youngster Chris Johnston at wing centre. Marc MacLachlan came into the forward line.

Greg Matheson and Lorne MacKay both scored twice as Lovat were 4-2 winners when the sides met at Balgate earlier in the season but this was a much closer affair.

This encounter was not for the faint-hearted with a number of heavy challenges.

After a goalless first half, Lovat broke the deadlock on 64 minutes through Greg Matheson. A long ball forward from Lorne MacKay went by Marc MacLachlan and his marker and Matheson ran in behind them and slotted the ball past keeper Shane Gillies to make it 1-0. Lovat manager Fraser Gallacher gave Jamie Buchan a debut on 74 minutes; replacing Chris Johnston.

Cam Clark gave Kilmallie hope when he beat Scotland keeper Stuart MacDonald to make it 1-1 on 78 minutes.

However, with just 5 minutes remaining, Lewis Tawse, who started in attack, put the Balgate side back in front. A poor clearance out of the Kilmallie defence fell to Jamie Buchan and the debutant played at short pass to Lewis Tawse and, from 15 yards out, he hit a knee-high shot into the right hand corner of the net to make it 2-1.

Kilmallie boss Mark MacPherson pushed Steven Stewart forward for the closing stages but his side couldn’t get the goal that would have taken the relegation battle to their final home meeting with Oban Camanachd.

Lovat’s final match of the season is away to Oban Camanachd at the end of the month when a win will guarantee a third placed finish in the league.

Lochaber 1 Newtonmore 1

Lochaber will play Premiership shinty next season after Lachlan Campbell’s goal 16 minutes from time earned them a 1-1 draw with Newtonmore at Spean Bridge.

Lochaber boss Ally Ferguson was without Martin Johnstone who was on holiday as well as Duncan MacKinnon who has missed the last three months with a knee injury.

Newtonmore manager Paul John MacKintosh made a number of changes from the side which retained the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup a week earlier. Paul MacArthur had made it clear that his appearance in goal would not be repeated so, with Norman Campbell on holiday, veteran Kenny Ross took over between the sticks and MacArthur returned to his more familiar midfield role. Steven MacDonald was back in defence following a two-match ban but Fraser MacKintosh, Rory Kennedy, Andy MacKintosh and Ackie MacRae were all missing as was the suspended Conor Jones. Evan Menzies was carrying a knock so he started on the bench.

The pitch was heavy for this end-to-end encounter and there was an early booking for Newtonmore’s Steven MacDonald.

Newtonmore had to replace Drew MacDonald on 31 minutes. MacDonald ran quickly in on Brian MacDonald’s blind side and the Lochaber man caught his opponent with his swing, earning a booking in the process. Drew MacDonald, who had earlier been on the receiving end of another heavy challenge, had to be replaced with Evan Menzies coming on in his place.

The Lochaber forward line of Stuart Callison, Zandz Ferguson, Shaun Nicolson and Lachie Campbell created a few first half chances and Kenny Ross saved Newtonmore on more than one occasion. Ross did well to deny Shaun Nicolson and Zandz Ferguson as well as making an outstanding double-save with his chest. Michael Russell was also excellent in the ‘More defence.

Stuart Mitchell came off the Newtonmore bench to replace David Fraser in defence on 53 minutes.

Evan Menzies broke the deadlock on 68 minute when he latched onto the ball following an attempted clearance and, after scoring the winning goal in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final just seven days earlier; Menzies ran across goal and fired a well-struck into the net.

Lachlan Campbell got a priceless equaliser on 74 minutes. Campbell ran out onto the wing to win possession before exchanging passes with Zander Ferguson and then crashing a powerful shot, high to the keeper’s left to make it 1-1.

Newtonmore lost full centre Iain Richardson with 15 minutes remaining with the Scotland U21 hopeful carried off the field following a challenge. Jamie Robinson, who was carrying a rib injury, came on in his place.

However, just a couple of minutes later, Lochaber were reduced to eleven players. Brian MacDonald challenged for possession with Evan Menzies. MacDonald lost grip of his stick but rather than give Menzies a free shot at goal, he impeded the Camanachd Cup match-winner and referee Andy MacLean was left with little option but to flash a second yellow card.

Stuart Matheson came on late in the game for Lochaber but it was Newtonmore who pressed, trying to utilise their one-man advantage, but they couldn’t find a winner and, at the end of a bruising encounter, the sides had to settle for a share of the points.

Kyles Athletic P Glasgow Mid Argyll P

The match between Kyles Athletic and Glasgow Mid Argyll was originally scheduled for Tighnabruaich but an unplayable field led to a Friday switch of venue to the Dunoon Stadium and a noon throw up.

However the Dunoon pitch failed a Saturday morning inspection so the sides will try again at Tighnabruaich this coming Saturday.

Marine Harvest National Division

Fort William 4 Skye Camanachd 4

Fort William’s promotion chances suffered a blow when they drew 4-4 with champions Skye Camanachd in their 3pm throw up at An Aird

There was a 9am pitch inspection on Saturday morning when the field was passed playable.

Fort William went into the match challenging Caberfeidh for the second promotion spot to shinty’s top division. Caberfeidh have completed their league programme and they held a three point advantage. Fort William had two matches remaining but Cabers’ goal difference is such that the Fort knew they needed to win both games to keep their promotion hopes alive.

Skye boss Willie Cowie remained without keeper Iain MacLeod through work commitments so Ryan Morrison continued to deputise in goal. Jordan Murchison remained on the injury list whilst youngster Connor Gilpin was on holiday. Neil MacVicar, Ally “Cleodi” MacLeod and Stewart Grant were unavailable from the squad which beat Inveraray in the team’s last outing so Daniel Morrison was recalled and he started on the bench. There were first call-ups for U17 trio James Morrison, Martin Pringle and Sam MacPhee with Morrison starting in defence where he played the full 90 minutes.

Skye started well and created a couple of chances but it was Fort William who raced into a two-goal lead. Alexander MacMillan opened the scoring on 12 minutes with shot from the edge of the D.

Fort William again broke from midfield from the restart and Graham Campbell gave Ryan Morrison in the Skye goal no chance with a shot from 15 yards.

Skye pulled a goal back on 22 minutes when Will Cowie netted with a low, back-hand shot from 20 yards, to the right of the goal.

James Pringle made it 2-2 with 5 first half minutes remaining. Pringle took the ball onto his left side and finished well, sending the ball into the roof of the net.

Skye had the wind in their favour in the second half and Danny Morrison turned the match their way, scoring with a low shot from 18 yards out on the right.

Fort William worked the wings well throughout the match and the pendulum swung their way when Lachie Shaw made it 3-3 on the hour and, 7 minutes later, Sean Cameron capitalised on a defensive mistake to put the hosts 4-3 ahead

Skye had only lost five goals in thirteen league matches and they had now lost a further four goals in this game alone.

Martin Pringle came off the Skye bench, replacing Danny Morrison, to make his senior debut and he produced a good strike, hitting the ball well to grab the equalising goal which keeps Skye’s unbeaten record intact.

There were chances at both ends during the final stages of the match and Fort William must now beat Inveraray by thirteen goals in their final league match if they are to pip Caberfeidh for second spot. That match is scheduled for Saturday 28 October 2017 at An Aird.

Oban Celtic 3 Beauly 3

Oban Celtic and Beauly shared the points following a six-goal thriller at Ganavan.

Oban Celtic missed no fewer than four players though suspension as Ross MacMillan, David MacInnes, Michael MacKinnon and Fulton Ronald sat this one out. Andy Hunt, Lee Askew, Robert Alexander and Ally McKerracher all remained sidelined through injury although McKerracher hopes to be fit for this weekend's home game against Inveraray.

Beauly were also hit by suspension as Robbie Brindle’s red card in the defeat to Caberfeidh a fortnight earlier triggered a one-match ban.

Celtic created a number of chances during the opening 15 minutes but couldn't find the back of the net.

They were made to pay on 19 minutes when Jack MacDonald’s drive sent the ball into the corner of the net.

Daniel Madej's driving runs were causing the Beauly defence problems whilst full forward Andy MacDonald was also proving to be a real handful.

The sides went into the break on level terms with the hosts feeling they should have been in front.

Oban Celtic took the lead for the first time in the match on 52 minutes when Andy MacDonald did well to pull the ball down with his back to goal and he turned but his shot deflected off the Beauly full back, falling kindly into the path of the on-rushing Daniel MacMillan who notched his second with a neat finish.

With the home support urging Oban Celtic to push on and put the game to bed; disaster struck on 55 minutes. A needless foul, given away on the halfway line, was played up to Jack MacDonald and he struck a shot, a foot off the ground, beyond Oban Celtic keeper Iain MacFarlane to make it 2-2.

Things got worse for the hosts from the restart. Beauly won the centre and attacked the Celtic goal but the home defence bundled it out for a corner. Poor marking allowed Angus Renwick to thump the ball high into the net to make it 3-2 with 56 minutes played.

The Celtic players were stunned to lose their lead over a 90 second period but Beauly’s tails were now up and the visitors rattled both the post and bar but were unable to add to their lead.

With 15 minutes remaining, Oban Celtic upped their game with both Andy MacDonald and Daniel Madej passing up opportunities to equalise.

With just 8 minutes remaining, Oban Celtic notched a deserved leveller. Iain MacKechnie’s ball from the centre line found Daniel Madej who killed the ball before turning, leaving his marker standing, and pushing in on goal. Madej could have played the ball off but he opted to retain possession and he danced around both full back and goalkeeper to tap the ball into the empty net to make it 3-3.

Oban Celtic had a chance to win the game late on when the ball broke to their top performer Andy MacDonald, who had more time then he thought, but he blazed the ball over the bar.

The match was great entertainment for the supporters and whilst it was Beauly’s final game of the season, Oban Celtic will complete their campaign at home to Inveraray this coming Saturday.

Marine Harvest North Division 1

Beauly 0 Kingussie 7

The Kingussie colts were too strong for their Beauly counter-parts, winning 7-0 at Braeview Park.

Ruaridh Anderson gave the Kings a 21 minute lead before Dylan Borthwick’s 29 minute strike made it 2-0 at the break.

Roddy Young added a third on 65 minutes and then the goals then started to flow.

A second from Dylan Borthwick on 68 minutes and Roddy Young’s second on 71 minutes made it 5-0.

The Kingussie young guns in attack were proving too hot to handle and Dylan Borthwick took his tally to four goals with strikes on 75 and 83 minutes.

The win completes Kingussie’s season and they will finish third in the league.

Bottom of the table Beauly still have two matches remaining and they would need to win both by big margins to escape the drop.

Fort William P Aberdeen University P

The noon encounter between the Fort William seconds and Aberdeen University was postponed on Friday when it was decided that An Aird could not take two matches.

Marine Harvest South Division 1

Kilmory P Lochside Rovers P

Lochside Rovers will have to wait for the chance to finally clinch the Marine Harvest South Division 1 title after their match against second placed Kilmory was postponed on Saturday morning as MacRae Park was waterlogged.

Lochside now need to take something from their home meeting with the Kyles Athletic second team this coming Saturday to secure the title.

Lochside’s Craig MacDougall will miss that match through suspension.

Glenorchy P Ballachulish P

The meeting between Glenorchy and Ballachulish was called off on Saturday morning as Mart Park was unplayable.

Bottom of the table Glenorchy have now only played twice since the end of July and with six matches still to fulfil, they could be playing well into November.

Ballachulish have won their last two outings and their attentions now turn to a game against Kilmory at The Jubilee Park this coming Saturday.

Bute P Aberdour P

The 3pm throw up between Bute and Aberdour will be rescheduled as The Meadows was unplayable.

Kyles Athletic P Tayforth P

There was disappointment for the Kyles Athletic second team and Tayforth as their noon throw up at Tighnabruaich was postponed because of an unplayable pitch.

Marine Harvest North Division 2

Strathglass W/O v Lovat

The Strathglass seconds were awarded the points when the Lovat seconds were unable to raise a team for their reserve derby at Cannich.

Caberfeidh W/O v Lochaber

The Lochaber reserves were unable to raise a team for their clash with the Caberfeidh reserves at Castle Leod so Cabers take the points.

Kilmallie P Glengarry P

With the Lochaber seconds failing to fulfil their fixture, Glengarry clinched the Marine Harvest North Division 2 title even although their noon throw up against the Kilmallie seconds was postponed as The Canal Parks was unable to host two matches.

The teams had also been scheduled to contest the 2017 Mod Cup.

Lochcarron P Strathspey Camanachd P

An unplayable Battery Park led to the Friday afternoon postponement of the game between Lochcarron and Strathspey Camanachd.

Marine Harvest South Division 2

Inveraray 5 Glasgow Mid Argyll 0

The Inveraray second team finally secured the Marine Harvest South Division 2 title when they defeated the Glasgow Mid Argyll seconds 5-0.

This was Inveraray’s home match but after three failed attempts to get the fixture played, Inveraray agreed to reverse the fixture from The Winterton to Yoker.

Inveraray travelled with a blend of youth and experience and the young visiting defence coped well with a spell of early GMA pressure with 17 year old Lewis Cameron and 18 year old captain Alan Cameron playing their usual solid, consistent games.

However it was the experienced Inveraray forward pairing of Garry MacPherson and David Robertson who scored on 21 and 37 minutes to give ‘Aray a 2-0 interval lead.

Former Strachur team mates; 17 year old Ross Montgomery and Andrew Wilson, were having a good battle during the second half but the GMA forwards couldn't find a way past the Inveraray defence and a stubborn Graham MacPherson in the Inveraray goal.

David Robertson completed his hat-trick with goals on 60 and 72 minutes and he could have helped himself to a fourth but missed the target from just 2 yards out when it looked easier to score.

Inveraray introduced 14 year old Coll MacKay, 16 year old Andrew Fraser and 17 year old Hamish MacLennan who all made an impact on the game.

Inveraray centre David MacPherson completed the scoring when his low shot squeezed past the young GMA keeper to make it 5-0; the same scoreline as when the sides met in Glasgow earlier in the season.

Inveraray have one match to go and they will be determined to go through the league season undefeated with Dunoon Camanachd standing in their way.

That match is scheduled for The Winterton this coming Saturday when Inveraray will be presented with the Marine Harvest South Division 2 title which will be added to the Bullough Cup won earlier in the season.

Aberdour W/O v Oban Lorn

The Aberdour seconds were awarded the points when Oban Lorn were unable to raise a team for their contest at Silversands.

Bute P Dunoon Camanachd P

The noon encounter between Bute second team and Dunoon Camanachd was postponed as The Meadows was unplayable.

(All throw ups were at 2.30pm unless the match report states otherwise)

WCA Round Up

Skye Camanachd are just a point away from clinching a second successive Marine Harvest National Division 1 title following the weekend’s Women’s Camanachd Association shinty action on Sunday 8 October 2017.

Marine Harvest National Division 1

Fort William 7 Aberdour 5

Fort William recorded their second league success of the season when they beat Aberdour 7-5 in their 1pm throw up at the Lochaber High School astro pitch.

Zoe Smith scored four times for the Fort whilst an Ashleigh Fraser brace and a Shannon Wilson effort made up their tally. Doubles from Niamh Donnelly and Katy Smith and a Katie Booth strike counted for Aberdour.

Lovat v Skye Camanachd W/O

Lovat were unable to raise a team for their match against Skye Camanachd at Balgate so the Islanders were awarded the points whilst Lovat have been deducted a point.

Skye now require just one point from their final league match against fellow title contenders Lochaber at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree to seal a second successive Marine Harvest National Division 1 title.

The match between Skye and Lochaber is scheduled for Saturday 4 November 2017.

Badenoch W/O v Glasgow Mid Argyll 0

Badenoch were awarded the points when Glasgow Mid Argyll were unable to raise a team for their journey north.

GMA have been deducted a point.

Marine Harvest North Division 2

Inverness 4 Glenurquhart 4

Inverness and Glenurquhart shared the points following a 4-4 draw in their 1pm throw up at the Bught Park.

Katie MacMillan scored all four Inverness goals whilst Hazel Hunter netted four times for the Glen.

Glengarry P Lochaber P

The derby meeting between Glengarry and Lochaber was postponed as Craigard failed a pitch inspection.

Marine Harvest South Division 2

Lorn Ladies v Glasgow Mid Argyll W/O

Lorn Ladies were unable to field a team for their match against the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team so GMA have been awarded the points.

Oban Lorn W/O v Dunadd

Oban Lorn were given a walk-over when Dunadd were able to raise a team for their match.